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PoonHillExpress

Nepal's most famous short trek. Panoramic sunrise views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre β€” accessible to all ages, all fitness levels. Your first Himalayan memory.

Duration
5 Days
Max Altitude
3,210m
Distance
42 km
Group Size
Max 18
Daily Walk
4–6 hrs
From
$420
πŸ”οΈ
3,210m
Highest Point
Above sea level
πŸ“…
5 Days
Total Duration
Kathmandu to Kathmandu
πŸ“
42 km
Total Distance
Full route
⬆️
+2,140m
Elevation Gain
From Nayapul (1,070m)
Overview

The full picture.

Poon Hill (3,210m) is Nepal's most visited viewpoint β€” and for good reason. The pre-dawn climb from Ghorepani delivers one of the world's great sunrise panoramas: Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Nilgiri lined up across the horizon as the sky ignites.

At just 5 days and a maximum altitude of 3,210m, this trek is genuinely accessible to fit beginners with no altitude experience. The trail passes through some of Nepal's most beautiful rhododendron and oak forest β€” extraordinary in spring.

It's also the perfect introduction to Nepali teahouse culture β€” evenings around wood stoves, dal bhat dinners, and conversations with trekkers from every corner of the world.

Highlights

What you'll experience.

01
Poon Hill SunriseNepal's most famous moment. A 45-minute climb by headlamp delivers 14 Himalayan peaks β€” including Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range β€” lit up gold at dawn.
02
Ghorepani VillageA lively teahouse village in a rhododendron clearing at 2,860m. Great food, warm hosts, and the gateway to Poon Hill.
03
Rhododendron ForestThe best rhododendron forest in Nepal. In March and April the trail from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani is a corridor of red, pink, and white blooms.
04
Gurung VillagesTikhedhunga and Ulleri are traditional Gurung settlements with stone-paved paths, carved windows, and genuine Nepali hospitality.
Gallery

The trail in pictures.

Poon Hill sunrise panorama
Poon Hill sunrise panorama
Rhododendron forests in bloom
Rhododendron forests in bloom
Ghorepani village teahouses
Ghorepani village teahouses
Annapurna range at golden hour
Annapurna range at golden hour
Prayer flags on the summit
Prayer flags on the summit
Elevation Profile

The climb, day by day.

Elevation Profile β€” Day by Day
3,210m1,480m
D1D2D3D4D5
Day by Day

Full itinerary.

Day 1Pokhara β†’ Nayapul β†’ Tikhedhunga

Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (1 hour) and begin the easy walk along the Modi Khola through Birethanti to Tikhedhunga. First glimpses of Annapurna South ahead.

πŸ”οΈAltitude: 1,480m
⏱️Duration: 1h drive + 3h
🏠Lodging: Teahouse
Day 2Tikhedhunga β†’ Ghorepani

The famous 3,300-step climb through rhododendron forest. Hard but beautiful. Ghorepani rewards with superb views and a warm teahouse fire.

πŸ”οΈAltitude: 2,860m
⏱️Duration: 5–6h
🏠Lodging: Lodge
Day 3Poon Hill Sunrise β†’ Tadapani

4:30 AM start for Poon Hill. The panorama of 14 peaks at sunrise is extraordinary. Descend via Deurali to Tadapani through spectacular rhododendron and oak forest.

πŸ”οΈAltitude: 2,610m
⏱️Duration: 5h + sunrise
🏠Lodging: Teahouse
Day 4Tadapani β†’ Ghandruk β†’ Nayapul β†’ Pokhara

Descend through Ghandruk β€” the most beautiful Gurung village in Nepal, perched above the Modi gorge β€” and continue down to Nayapul for the drive back to Pokhara.

πŸ”οΈAltitude: 827m
⏱️Duration: 5h + drive
🏠Lodging: Hotel
Day 5Pokhara / Departure

Morning in Pokhara lakeside, then transfer to your airport or onward transport. 5 days, Nepal's most beautiful sunrise, done.

πŸ”οΈAltitude: 827m
⏱️Duration: Flexible
🏠Lodging: β€”
Route

The trail map.

Nayapul1,070mTikhedhunga1,480mGhorepani2,860mPoon Hill3,210mTadapani2,610m
Pricing

What's included.

βœ“ Included

  • βœ“All teahouse accommodation
  • βœ“Breakfast and dinner on the trail
  • βœ“Licensed English-speaking guide
  • βœ“Porter (1 per 2 trekkers)
  • βœ“ACAP permit + TIMS card
  • βœ“Pokhara airport transfer

βœ• Not Included

  • βœ•International flights
  • βœ•Nepal visa
  • βœ•Travel insurance
  • βœ•Lunches
  • βœ•Tips
  • βœ•Personal gear
Preparation

What to pack.

πŸ§₯ Clothing
  • Warm jacket
  • Rain jacket
  • Thermals Γ—2
  • Warm hat & gloves
πŸ‘Ÿ Footwear
  • Waterproof boots
  • Wool socks Γ—3
  • Trekking poles (optional)
πŸŽ’ Essentials
  • Daypack 20–25L
  • Headlamp
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Cash NPR
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